Gastrointestinal (GI) problems are prevalent among children in India, often stemming from various factors like poor sanitation, contaminated water, and inadequate nutrition. Common issues include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. These ailments significantly impact children's health, leading to malnutrition, stunted growth, and compromised immune systems. Moreover, limited access to specialized healthcare exacerbates the problem, with many cases going untreated or mismanaged. Addressing GI problems requires a multi-faceted approach, including improving sanitation infrastructure, promoting hygiene education, ensuring access to clean water, and enhancing healthcare services with a focus on pediatric gastroenterology.
Speaking with The Telegraph Online, Dr Bhaswati Acharya, Consultant Pediatric gastroenterologist, HP Ghosh Hospital, delineated the importance of her specialization which is still not prevalent in eastern India. Dr Acharya delved into the concerning escalation of gastrointestinal (GI) problems among children, attributing much of the surge to nutrition-related issues stemming from food contamination and the deterioration of food quality. She emphasized how these factors have become significant contributors to a myriad of GI afflictions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GRD), peptic ulcers, obesity, fatty liver, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, and pancreas-related ailments, among others.
Highlighting a troubling trend, Dr. Acharya noted that these diseases, once relatively uncommon among the pediatric population, have now proliferated exponentially. Consequently, the field of pediatric gastroenterology has assumed paramount importance in addressing these escalating health challenges.
She underscored the significance of accessible healthcare services tailored to address the specific needs of young patients. In this context, Dr. Acharya heralded the recent inauguration of the HP Ghosh Hospital, which boasts a dedicated pediatric intensive care unit and an array of diagnostic facilities, including endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, and ERCP.
In essence, Dr. Acharya's discourse underscored the pressing need for heightened awareness, proactive intervention, and accessible healthcare services to combat the burgeoning tide of pediatric GI disorders and ensure the well-being of our future generations.
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This article has been produced on behalf of HP Ghosh Hospitals by ABP Digital Brand Studio.
